This Week's Bits and Bites from the Public

Overheard in Children's Department (mother speaking to three-year-old):

You better start managing yourself if you want to get Star Wars.

Are you going to manage yourself?

Sit up, there are other choices!

Manage yourself!

A Troubling Reference Interview:

I'm looking for books about retirement.

Any aspect of retirement?

No. Why are they all over the library?

I explain that they are often sorted by the primary topic, such as financial planning, health, etc.

I do a subject search. It's a tiny little branch, there is very little available. I notice one particular subject heading with some titles and ask without looking up, "I don't suppose your interested in books on early-retirement?"

Innocently glance up, and find myself captured in the evil glare of an enraged baby-boomer.

Ah, nevermind.

Do you know what, I think I am better off going to a bookstore! Woman flounces out.

--Note: Why do patrons always jab that to us as an insult. I say, great! If you can afford to buy a book, go and do so, you're not my primary target audience. If you have a burning interest in a particular topic, the bookstore may have more current information to suit your niche interest. The library is for general edification, education, recreation...we do the best we can with your meagre tax dollars! So there!

Found in Library:

One Chinese passport.

One pink princess purse, complete with compact, hairbrush, tube of glitter, candy wrappers.

One backseat drivers license (enscripted with: "The individual named herein has official license to criticize, annoy, aggravate and disturb operator of the car. The individual may also utilize invisible brakes on the passenger side of car when vehicle travels at excessive speeds. Authorized signature : Mathew)